Part 10:
” Mara shrugged. “They’re okay.” “They’re more than okay.” Mason’s voice was thick. “They’re her, exactly her. Some of them are blurry. I couldn’t remember the details. The ones you remember are perfect.” Mara’s eyes were wet. You think she’d like them? I think she’d love them. A teacher approached. You must be Mara’s father.
These pieces are extraordinary. She has real talent. Mason nodded, not taking his eyes off the drawings. She gets it from her mother. The teacher smiled and moved on. Mara looked at Elena. What do you think? Elena studied the drawings, the careful lines, the obvious love in every stroke. I think you’re keeping her alive, she said quietly. In the best possible way.
Mara’s face crumpled. Mason pulled her into a hug. “I’m so proud of you,” he whispered. Sophie tugged on Elena’s hand. “Why is everyone crying?” “Because sometimes beautiful things make us cry.” “That’s weird.” “Yeah, it kind of is.” They stayed until the gallery closed, looking at every piece of student work, but kept coming back to Mara’s corner.
On the drive home, Mara fell asleep against the window. “She’s going to be okay,” Elena said quietly. Mason glanced at her. You think? I know. She’s processing it, creating something from the pain. That’s healing. You sound like Dr. Martinez. I’ve been reading her recommended books. Why? Elena shrugged. I wanted to understand them better.
Your kids. They’re lucky to have you. I’m the lucky one. Mason reached over and squeezed her hand. Neither of them let go for the rest of the drive. The next week brought unexpected chaos. Elena’s divorce was finalized. She sat in Mason’s lawyer’s office, signing the final papers, feeling nothing. David got the house. She got her freedom.
It seemed like a fair trade. You sure you don’t want to fight for more? The lawyer asked. I’m sure I just want it done. Okay, but if he contacts you again, he won’t. The lawyer looked skeptical, but didn’t argue. Elena walked out of the office feeling lighter than she had in years. No more marriage. No more pretending.
No more trying to be someone she wasn’t. She called Mason from the parking lot. It’s done. How are you feeling? Free. Good. That’s good. A pause. You want to celebrate? Celebrate a divorce. Celebrate freedom. Elena smiled. What did you have in mind? Dinner? Just us. The kids are having a sleepover at Ethan’s friend’s house. All three of them. Miracle of Miracles. Yes.
Mason Carter, are you asking me on a date? Silence. Then what if I am? Elena’s heart stuttered. Then I’d say yes. Yeah. Yeah. She could hear his smile through the phone. Pick you up at 7. Elena spent the next 4 hours panicking. This was a date. An actual date with Mason, who was her employer and her friend, and possibly more.
She had nothing to wear. All her clothes were either borrowed from Caroline’s closet or cheap purchases from Target. She called the only person she could think of. Mara, I need help. The teenager appeared in her doorway 20 minutes later. Dad told me you guys are going out. He told you? He asked if we’d be okay without you both for one night.
Mara smirked. Very subtle. This is a disaster. Why? because I haven’t been on a date in 8 years and I don’t know what to wear and I’m pretty sure I forgot how to do this. Mara walked to the closet, started pulling out options. Okay, first you’re overthinking it. Second, Dad’s been in love with you for weeks.
He’s not going to care what you wear. Elena froze. What? Please, it’s so obvious. Mara held up a blue dress. This one? It’s mom’s, but she’d want you to wear it. Mara, I can’t. Yes, you can. Mara’s voice was firm. Mom would like you. You’re nothing like her, but in a good way. You’re calmer, more patient, and you make Dad smile again.
Elena’s eyes filled. I’m not trying to replace her. I know. That’s why it works. Mara handed her the dress. Now go shower. I’ll do your makeup. You know how to do makeup? YouTube is a beautiful thing. An hour later, Elena barely recognized herself. The blue dress fit perfectly. Mara had done something magical with mascara and lip gloss.
Her hair actually looked intentional instead of accidental. “You look beautiful,” Mara said. “I look terrified.” “That, too. But mostly beautiful.” Sophie and Ethan appeared in the doorway. “Wo,” Ethan said. Sophie’s eyes were huge. “You look like a princess. I look ridiculous. You look happy, Sophie corrected. That’s better than a princess.
The doorbell rang. Mason was taking her out properly. Apparently, not just walking from one room to another. Elena went downstairs, opened the door. Mason stood there in slacks and a button-down holding flowers. Actual flowers. Hi, he said. Hi. You look He stopped. Wow. Mara helped. Remind me to thank her. Behind them, all three kids were watching from the stairs.
You guys look like you’re going to prom. Ethan called. Ethan? Mara hissed. What they do? Mason turned. Bedtime is 9:30. No screens after 9:00. And please don’t burn down the house. That was one time, Ethan protested. And it was enough. He offered Elena his arm. She took it. They drove to a small Italian restaurant across town. Quiet, intimate.
